New Zealand, at least relative to India, tends to have a less intensive schedule but that might soon change as the summer nears. News is breaking that New Zealand will host Sri Lanka in late December and early January for two T20s and two ODI clashes. This is interesting stuff, as it comes on the back of a packed schedule, that will feature test clashes against England and Afghanistan.
For New Zealand, the chance to host the Sri Lankan side later this year would be a chance to test out the limits of its talent pool. Maybe try a few new players and gauge the performance of existing players who recently signed contracts with New Zealand Cricket. Admittedly, Sri Lanka is not the strongest side around, and as many top teams do these days, it will be an opportunity to see how younger, inexperienced players could fare on the international stage.
How will these matchups unfold?
What New Zealand Could Expect from the Home Games Against Sri Lanka
If recent form and world ranking of teams are anything to go by, playing the Lankans at home is not likely to be a major challenge for the New Zealand side. Historically the black caps have always been a solid all-around side, and in more recent times have been blessed with a good set of players with a lot of talent. The likes of Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Devon Conway have become established names in world cricket aided by the likes of Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham. New Zealand features a quality outfit.
In ODI and especially the T20 games against Sri Lanka one can expect several young players to make their entrance. One player to watch out for would be Will Young, a dynamic right-handed batsman who will be looking to make a mark if selected. The other objective would be to build the bench strength of the side. Given the busy schedules of international cricket, and combined league commitments, top teams in the world like to have a good roster of players with match experience to choose from. This Sri Lanka tour will be a good opportunity to draw new talent.
Sri Lanka – Play Better Than Last Time
The last time Sri Lanka toured New Zealand they were outplayed in all departments. Losing the test series 2-0, the ODI series 2-0, and the T20 series 2-1. Sri Lanka as a cricketing side has experienced a lot of turmoil over the past decade or so. And despite making something of a recovery in the 2022 period, winning the Asia Cup and a home ODI series against Australia, the team has fallen behind the top sides in the competition.
Whilst the Sri Lanka side of today looks more settled, it is going to have a tough time surpassing the New Zealand team, following their terrible showing in the World T20 2024. Fortunately for them, New Zealand hasn’t played their cricket either, but then again, a lot can change in five months. On a positive note Sri Lanka, thanks to players like Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga has a nucleus of what could become a top T20 side, but they need to be able to deliver consistently on the big stage.
A New Zealand Romp or a Sri Lankan Upset?
Whilst it is very early to call, especially when we have no idea what the final composition of the New Zealand and Sri Lankan teams would be like, if you are a betting man, there are a few calculated guesses that can be made. For a start the conditions will favor the black caps bowlers considerably, with Sri Lanka having a poor away record, especially outside the subcontinent will struggle. The question is how much?
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